5.5 million travelers in 2015
#1 distributor of train tickets and rail passes

15,000+ destinations
The simplicity of one-stop-shopping

75+ years of rail travel experience
European experts

Overview

Fall for flanders and all its medieval beauty

Fall for flanders and all its medieval beauty

No trip to Brussels would be complete without taking the one-hour journey west to Bruges. You can catch the train either at the Brussels Nord, Central or Midi stations. No reservation needed (or taken) and trains leave about every half hour. When you get off the train in you only need to walk a short distance, crossing over a canal by bridge to discover what some have called the "Venice of the North."

Standing over the bridge you’ll see a series of canals, grass parkways with a blanket of wildflowers, white buildings with orange rooftops and benedictine nuns parading in old-fashioned habits. This is a great walking town, but if you’re looking for romance or charm (easily found in Bruges), hop in a horse-drawn carriage or take a canal boat tour.

For a high-flying vantage point, climb the 366 steps of the belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower in the town’s historical center. What once served as an observation post for spotting fires and other danger, today, for a small fee, you can see more pleasant things – like orange rooftops as far as the eye can see, and a maze of canals webbing around the town. After such a workout, head back down (try not to get dizzy) and stop at a café for a glass of cherry-flavored Belgian Kriek beer.

Bruges is well known for its delicate lace production. For a small fee, watch women move their hands ever so quickly to craft these beautiful crocheted creations. Bring home a tablecloth or set of placemats to remind you of Bruges every time you sit down to eat.

Bruges is just the beginning of your journey into Flanders. See what sparkles in Antwerp, center of the diamond trade, and be there in less than 90 minutes. For more riches, Oostende, also known as the "North Port" is where you’ll gawk at million-dollar yachts. For more medieval charm, Ghent, just 30 minutes away, used to be one of the largest and richest cities of northern Europe. Today, it’s the biggest car-free area in Belgium, allowing you to walk freely among the well-preserved architecture. Travel to Bruges using a Eurail Benelux Pass.

Bruges is special for its intense beauty. Yes, there are museums to see and towers to climb, but most come to simply "be" here. Walk through busy squares. Take a moment to reflect in a quiet park. Stop for a bite at a café on an intimate cobblestone street. And make "old times" new again.

When in Bruges, you can taste the famous mussels and fries. They are delicious ! You can ask any locals to help you find a nice place to eat. They will be glad to help.

Why not buy some chocolates when in Bruges ? There are many chocolate shops in the city. Head to Wollestraat where you will find high quality artisanal chocolates.

Bruges Tourist Office PO Box 744, B-8000 BrugesTel : +32 50 44 46 46

The city’s tourist office has a helpful personnel, insider information and tips as well as handy maps and brochures. The city’s tourist office also arranges tours and excursions and is a focal point for local accommodation.

Getting to and from Bruges

From
Paris

02:26

From
Brussels

00:53

From
Lille

01:19

From
Antwerp

01:19

From
Liege

01:59

From
Oudenaarde

01:10

From
Sint Niklaas

00:56

From
Blankenberge

00:14

From
Ghent

00:22

From
Kortrijk

00:39

From
Ostend

00:13

From
Roubaix

01:09

To
Ostend

00:14

To
Blankenberge

00:15

To
Ghent

00:41

To
Antwerp

01:25

To
Sint Niklaas

01:27

To
Oudenaarde

01:34

To
Kortrijk

01:46

To
Brussels

01:58

To
Lier

02:37

To
Liege

02:54

To
Ypres

02:55

To
Lille

03:19

To
Spa

03:20

To
Amsterdam

04:36

To
Paris

04:38

To
Gembloux

04:47

Bruges station(s)

Trains are convenient way to reach any town and city in Europe. All main towns have a railway station, while major cities have more than two railway stations. Nearly all railway stations are located in the city centre. Check our map to locate railway station(s) in Bruges.

Travel forum

From our travel community

Let Rail Europe deliver tips, deals, and offers to your inbox

The information is required by Rail Europe to process your subscription to Rail Europe newsletter. In accordance with the French data protection act (Act n° 78-17 of 6 January 1978), you have the right to oppose, access, change, correct and delete the information held about you. To exercise this right, please click here.